KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has clarified confusion surrounding claims that businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala allegedly sent money to former police minister Bheki Cele.
According to Mkhwanazi, investigations revealed that a contact saved on Matlala’s phone as “Bab Ndosi” had a number almost identical to Cele’s — differing by just one digit. It is believed Matlala mistakenly assumed the number belonged to the former minister.
Further investigations established that the number actually belongs to a man based in Mpumalanga, who has since come forward.
The man reportedly admitted to receiving documents from an unknown sender, along with money, which he allegedly spent with his girlfriend.
Mkhwanazi explained that this individual is the one who provided Matlala with the banking details, ultimately leading to the payment.
The situation is said to have come to light after Matlala realised the error and questioned the recipient about their identity. The Mpumalanga man has since submitted a formal statement and provided WhatsApp conversations as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are continuing to assess the matter as part of broader investigations.
